Page 115 of Immoral

I suppose it is. I sigh then follow Killian.

There's a small padlock on the door. He doesn't bother to ask for the key. He takes his hand and yanks on it, detaching the metal from the wood. He holds the lock out to Tully. "You should also fix your security issues."

Instead of getting angry, Tully chuckles. "You're too predictable. Now, stop wasting time and follow me."

Killian glares at him and we follow him through the doorway and into an empty, open space. Dirt covers the floor, including the only item in the room, which is a filthy rug. The wooden walls have holes in them in several spots. Air from outside flows freely, creating a damp atmosphere.

"I think Killian is right. You need to take some lessons from a real estate developer," I state, glancing around at the emptiness and wondering why Tully would ever buy this place.

"Ah, but there's where you're wrong," he replies then motions to the rug. "Roll it up, boys."

"Roll it up?" I repeat.

"You need to hire a decorator if you think this is a piece worth keeping," Killian mutters.

"Who's wasting time now?" Aidan asks.

"I'm going to slap you," Killian threatens.

"Shut up. Both of you," I demand then go to the corner of the rug.

Killian begrudgingly goes to the other side, and we begin rolling the rug.

"Tight. I want it nice and tight, boys. Start over. Don't do it half-assed," Tully instructs.

Killian and I scowl at each other but unroll it and do as he says.

We get half the rug rolled up when Tully calls out, "Stop."

We both look at him.

He takes another drag of his cigar then nods to the center of the floor. "That's why I bought this place."

Aidan walks over and opens a trap door. He grins, stating, "After you."

"Tully, what's this all about?" I question again. I'm not a person who enjoys surprises. These sketchy situations only make me anxious.

"You'll see. Down you go, boys," Tully answers.

I glance at my designer suit and groan. Then I turn and step down the metal ladder. The air becomes so damp, I shudder from the cold. Darkness surrounds me, and I shout, "Do I get a light?"

"String is above you. Pull it," Aidan replies.

Killian's footsteps bang on the metal. I struggle to find the light, but just as he steps on the dirt near me, I find it and turn it on.

Aidan and Tully join us, and my eyes adjust to the surroundings.

"Holy... Christ," Killian mumbles.

Four men hang naked upside down, with contraptions stretching their limbs as far as possible. Each one has a rusty metal ball in their mouth. It's connected to an inverse collar. When they move their neck, spikes dig into their skin so deep a mix of dried and fresh blood coats their faces. Eight fear-filled eyes stare at us. I ask, "Who are they?"

Aidan steps forward and puts his arm around my shoulder. "Our gift to you."

"Your gift?" I repeat, clueless as to what it means. I've never seen any of these men before.

Tully finishes his last puff then tosses it near my feet. He squishes it in a circular motion and clears his throat. "Consider my get-out-of-jail card a freebie. You want to know how to end the hunt for Uberto? Now's your chance."

Confused, I study the men, then claim, "I don't understand. Who are they?"

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